Hey, congratulations!  My 8th anniversary is coming in April '05.  I like my guy so much I married him twice (green card issues...)

I did a partial up do that I think looked really cute, so I'll share and you be the judge.  (I was playing around on day, I didn't wear this for my wedding-my hair was quite short back then)

Make a half pony (take the hair above the ears from R to L and across the back) and secure it with a band.  Take 1/3 of the hair on the right side of the half pony and make a loop toward the crown, pinning it close to the band holding the pony.  The loop should angle slightly toward the right.  Repeat with 1/3 on left.  Then take 1/3 still hanging down of the pony and pin it in the center-kind of a 3 leaf clover shape?  Insert hairsticks on either side of the center loop without penetrating the other two loops.  Tah-Dah!  If you want a bit of the pony to hang down, use 1/4 portions so 1/4 will hang down and blend into the rest of your hair-using the 1/4's will cover the bottom of the band you used to secure the pony.
I hope you can visualize it...if not, please ask for clarification and I'll do my best.  If you're interested, that is.
How exciting.  Both of my weddings were really simple and we enjoyed ourselves along with our guests, which was important to us.
Blessed Be!

Congratulations!

I'm also planning to get married- though not sooner than next winter.  I'm NOT going to go to a stylist to have my head teased and soaked in styling goods and who knows what. I've been had my hair professionally done for a special occassion a few times in my life. The results have looked good, but the hair has felt like a biking helmet or a sculpture on my head- often even taking all the pins out hasn't made any difference in its look. So if you choose to go stylist, be very careful and prepare to give your hair extra pampering (and dusting session) right after the big event.

What I'm planning to do, is to learn to style myself.
I really don't think it can be terribly difficult, especially since even a simple style can be made interesting with using beautiful bridal hairtoys...combs...hairsticks...hair pins...floating hair jewels...flowers...the alternatives are endless.

Have you visited longhairloom's Styling Station Central (www.longhairloom.com) ? It's full of how-to instructions with pictures.

Thanks Galadriel and Styg!  When I saw the style of the month I decided I couldn't be luckier!

I'm thinking I really need to work on my lace and twist braids.  I really like the look of a crown, or half crown type braid w/ the tail coming around.  Anybody have good instructions for how to do braids on this page:

http://www.hairbraiding.com/gallery/

I've only had my hair professionally done once and all they did was curl it.  I've watched at the beauty college where I get manicures w/ my mom and grandma, and the girls leave looking great, but I do sit and think how much damage their are causing.  If I do have it done professionally, it will mostly be for braiding.

Thanks Bikerbraid and Autumn!  We keep reminding ourselves it is our 'short and sweet' wedding, nothing to get too uptight about. 

Styg--I've never found one in my area, or close enough that I could pay them to come down just for the trip.  I wish I could though.  And if I ever do find one in my area I want to take lessons. 

I picked out my dress today; strapless, matte pastel blue with a full skirt.  The skirt has an ivory inlay and the top of the dress has white and silver embroidery.  I tried to go w/ operal style gloves, but they just didn't look right.  We got a great deal on the dress because it was on clearance.  Of course, then I spent a bunch of money on jewelry, but I can at least get multiple use out of that.  (The dress too since it isn't really a wedding style). 

I'll definetly wear my hair at least partially down with the dress. 

It'll be a few years before Bear and I even consider taking the leap, so I don't know the proper thing to say here besides..... WOWIE ZOWIE! Wishing you both a great future Yar, don't worry; your hair will take care of itself. Just have fun

Hugs and Blessings
Anais

Thanks Preciouslocks--Those are the styles I'm leaning toward I think, with just enough down to show off the length behind the updo.  I like the idea of the snood and will have to think of it.  The braided headbands look so good, especially with a some accent braids.  Makes a great head piece at no extra cost.   

And thank you Anais and Bikerbraid.  This whole thing is making me feel very femmey. 

I did a cameo style for valentines day.  After looking at the pictures, I think it may be in the running, although I want a fatter braid to go around the bun.